The alternative transmission project would have a north-south alignment between Alamosa and Tri-State’s existing transmission system in northern New Mexico.

The previously proposed project, a joint project with Xcel Energy, would have extended from the San Luis Valley east to Walsenberg and then north to the Comanche power plant. That project was approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in September 2011, but Xcel has indicated that it is likely to withdraw from from further participation.

Tri-State said that growth in residential and agricultural loads throughout the San Luis Valley had caused the existing transmission infrastructure to reach its capacity.

“Tri-State remains committed to making the necessary infrastructure investments to ensure a reliable power supply to the farms, ranches, and communities of southern Colorado,” said Joel Bladow, Tri-State’s senior vice president, transmission.

“Tri-State will study the alternative through an open, transparent and responsive process that incorporates public input and a rigorous environmental review,” Bladow added.

Loren Howard, chief executive of San Luis Rural Electric Cooperative, said the cooperative is pleased that Tri-State “remains committed to ensure our co-op can continue to provide reliable power to our member-owners across the valley.”

The owners of Boulder’s Sterling University Peaks apartments, who this summer were cited for illegally subdividing 92 bedrooms in the complex, have reached an agreement to settle the case for $410,000, the city announced Thursday.